For over a century Elitch Gardens thrived and survived. Adding amusement rides, a kiddie park, letting go of the zoo element, hosting big band dances, being the nation’s leading distributor for carnations, and scaring young children with an incredibly tall wooden roller coaster called Mister Twister. (Okay, maybe just my young self!)

It was an adventure to go to Elitch Garden’s Amusement Park, known as Elitch’s. Nestled in North Denver with its gardens growing tall along its hedges and tall trees offering shade, entering the park was like walking into another dimension. One that was happier, daring and way more exciting than real life.

Then in 1994 it was bought by Six Flags and moved downtown. They planted trees but not enough to fight the concrete and tar main ingredient. The cost of admission seemed similar to a down payment of some sort and the rides were new and shiny- no more nostalgia and wooden engineering feats. There was a water park, which was new and a big parking lot. Yet it felt sterile, too commercial and nowhere in the park could you feel the Denver vibe.

Well- welcome back to the pulse wherein you were born Elitch’s! You are now a privately owned park, you are no longer a sponsor for a chain, your residence can once again afford to grace your grounds! Your trees still need to grow a bit, but now you are at least heading in the right direction.

The Denver Traveler recommends you buy a season pass as the price is equivalent to two admissions and you get to go as many times as you may choose. It also includes their summer concert series.

Post from: The Denver Traveler

You can take self guided tours, sign up for expert tours, embark on an urban adventure which entail self guided tours based on a theme. Get inside information about The Barth Hotel, The Castle Marne Bed and Breakfast, Berkeley Park, 16th Street Mall, Decker Branch Library, Denver Union Station, Elitch Theatre, Malo Mansion, Oxford Hotel, The Spectrum Building, Zang Mansion and so many other fascinating architectural sites that make up our fine city. Click here for a list of participating sites.

Post from: The Denver Traveler